The Ultimate Guide to Must-Watch Indian Movies Across Genres

Key Takeaway: Whether you’re a film buff or just looking to spice up your movie nights, this comprehensive guide to Indian cinema spans various genres and decades, ensuring there’s something for everyone. From heart-wrenching dramas to light-hearted comedies, explore the best Indian movies to watch, each with a unique story to tell.


Drama

1. Nude (2018)

Rating: 7.3
Synopsis: A mother poses as a nude model to fund her son’s education, revealing the sacrifices made for family.

2. Haraamkhor (2015)

Rating: 6.3
Synopsis: A manipulative teacher exploits a schoolgirl’s vulnerability, leading to a dark, unsettling tale.

3. The Churning (1976)

Rating: 7.7
Synopsis: A young veterinary surgeon helps establish a dairy cooperative in a village, focusing on rural upliftment.

4. Akele Hum Akele Tum (1995)

Rating: 6.9
Synopsis: An estranged couple battles over their son’s custody, highlighting the complexities of familial bonds.

5. Sufna (2020)

Rating: 8.0
Synopsis: A carefree youth’s life transforms when he falls for a beautiful girl from another village.

6. Koode (2018)

Rating: 7.6
Synopsis: Set in the Nilgiris, this film explores the bond between two siblings and their personal growth.

7. Cheeni Kum (2007)

Rating: 6.8
Synopsis: An older chef falls for a younger woman, challenging societal norms about age and love.

8. Margarita with a Straw (2014)

Rating: 7.2
Synopsis: A young woman with cerebral palsy embarks on a journey of self-discovery after moving to New York.

9. Velaiyilla Pattathari 2 (2017)

Rating: 5.4
Synopsis: An engineer battles a powerful businesswoman in a corporate struggle.

10. Apaharan (2005)

Rating: 7.4
Synopsis: A father-son relationship is tested against a backdrop of kidnapping and corruption.


Comedy

11. Mubarakan (2017)

Rating: 5.6
Synopsis: A man’s attempts to arrange marriages for his twin nephews lead to hilarious confusion.

12. Grand Masti (2013)

Rating: 4.5
Synopsis: A college reunion goes awry as three friends find themselves in unexpected trouble.

13. Ki & Ka (2016)

Rating: 5.7
Synopsis: A married couple challenges traditional gender roles, sparking humorous and insightful moments.

14. Dream Girl (2019)

Rating: 7.0
Synopsis: A man dons a female voice to find love, leading to comedic and touching scenarios.

15. Honsla Rakh (2021)

Rating: 7.3
Synopsis: A single father navigates the challenges of parenting and romance while seeking love again.

16. Khoobsurat (2014)

Rating: 6.4
Synopsis: A romantic physiotherapist’s encounter with a Rajput prince adds humor to her life and love.

17. Sukhee (2023)

Rating: 6.0
Synopsis: A middle-class housewife’s high school reunion brings unexpected personal revelations.


Action

18. Khatarnak Khiladi (2013)

Rating: 7.3
Synopsis: A man with a dark past returns to reform his girlfriend’s violent family, leading to intense action.

19. Bruce Lee 2 The Fighter (2015)

Rating: 5.5
Synopsis: A stuntman is mistaken for a police officer and ends up fighting crime while hiding from the law.

20. Force 2 (2016)

Rating: 6.2
Synopsis: An ACP teams up with a RAW agent to uncover a mole within their ranks.

21. Gangotri (2003)

Rating: 4.7
Synopsis: A protective man faces family opposition as he tries to marry his beloved.


Romance

22. Padi Padi Leche Manasu (2018)

Rating: 6.4
Synopsis: Set in Kolkata, a young couple navigates the highs and lows of their relationship.

23. Madrasapattinam (2010)

Rating: 7.9
Synopsis: A romance blossoms between the daughter of an English governor and a local Indian boy during the 1940s.

24. Heropanti 2 (2022)

Rating: 2.3
Synopsis: A genius hacker must track down a criminal mastermind to prevent a major cyber-crime.

25. Jo and Jo (2022)

Rating: 7.1
Synopsis: In a village during the COVID-19 pandemic, young people’s lives are upended by an unexpected event.


Thriller

26. Trance (2020)

Rating: 7.3
Synopsis: A disillusioned motivational speaker becomes embroiled in a televised scandal.

27. Nympho: The Lust Story (2020)

Rating: 5.3
Synopsis: A woman struggles with nymphomania, exploring themes of addiction and desire.

28. Jathi Ratnalu (2021)

Rating: 7.3
Synopsis: Released from prison, three friends find their plans for a happy life take unexpected turns.

29. 9 (2019)

Rating: 6.7
Synopsis: A father fights against otherworldly forces to protect his son from a sinister plot.

30. Pyar Ke Do Pal (1986)

Rating: 5.6
Synopsis: Separated twins reunite at camp, aiming to reconcile their estranged parents.


Historical/Period

31. Sangam (1964)

Rating: 7.3
Synopsis: A pilot returns home from war, only to find his beloved engaged to his best friend.

32. Ghulami (1985)

Rating: 7.4
Synopsis: Peasants in feudal Rajasthan rise against oppressive landowners and caste-based discrimination.


Family

33. Maa Oori Polimera 2 (2023)

Rating: 7.0
Synopsis: A policeman seeks justice for his brother’s death in a village plagued by black magic.

34. Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012)

Rating: 8.2
Synopsis: A man’s impending marriage is complicated by his sudden amnesia about recent years of his life.

35. Mubarakan (2017)

Rating: 5.6
Synopsis: Twins separated at birth create a chaotic series of events when they meet and attempt to reunite their families.

36. Sukhee (2023)

Rating: 6.0
Synopsis: A housewife attends her high school reunion, leading to a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation.


This guide features a diverse selection of Indian films, offering a glimpse into the vibrant world of Bollywood and beyond. From intense dramas and action-packed thrillers to heartwarming romances and insightful comedies, these movies reflect the rich tapestry of Indian cinema. Whether you’re in the mood for a deep emotional experience or a light-hearted escape, there’s a film here to match your tastes. Happy watching!